Fall River Murder Suspect Sentenced to Prison for Violating Probation

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced today that a Fall River murder suspect was sentenced to eight to ten years in state prison after a probation violation hearing concluded in Fall River Juvenile Court late last week.

Kevin Lara, 19, formerly of 119 Tremont Street, was found to be in violation of the terms of his probation from a 2012 Youthful Offender case. In 2013, Mr. Lara was convicted for the 2012 case in juvenile court on charges of carrying an illegal firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault to rob and armed assault with intent to murder. He had been sentenced at that time to serve 18 months in the house of corrections and was placed on probation for five years.

The defendant was released from jail in January 2015 and immediately re-connected with his co-defendant from the Youthful Offender case, 18-year-old Tavon Pires.

On March 20, 2015, the Mr. Lara and Mr. Pires allegedly shot and killed Anthony Carvalho near the intersection of Osborn and Ridge streets in Fall River. Both men were arrested shortly thereafter and have been held without bail while the case proceeds towards trial.

After a multi-day violation of probation hearing held on various dates in Fall River Juvenile Court during the past three months, Juvenile Court Judge John Spinale ruled that Mr. Lara had violated the terms of his probation. In his ruling, Judge Spinale stated that Mr. Lara violated the terms of his probation by associating with Mr. Pires, by possessing an illegal firearm in March 2015 and by the fact pattern alleged in the Carvalho murder case.

Because this matter involves a pending murder case, no further information about the facts of that case can be released at this time.

The probation hearings were handled by Assistant District Attorney Michael Cahillane.

Contact:
Gregg Miliote
Director of Communications
508-997-0711
774-292-9576—cell